5G Talent Talk

After nearly a decade, 5G is finally becoming a reality. 5G networks will create a smarter, more connected world and will change our lives forever. These rapid advances in artificial intelligence, automation, internet of things and other emerging technologies are creating demand for new jobs and the skills gap continues to widen. All industries are becoming tech industries and the tech talent shortage is becoming everyone’s problem. What will the workforce of the future look like? Join Carrie Charles as she helps tech leaders navigate this challenging talent landscape with innovative strategies to attract, retain, and engage people in this new world of work.

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ALL Episodes

Empowering the Team That Powers the Last Mile with Jamie Earp of Ubiquity

5G Talent Talk

Empowering the Team That Powers the Last Mile with Jamie Earp of Ubiquity

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Leadership in the last mile requires a unique set of skills, and in this episode, Co-CEO Jamie Earp of Ubiquity shares insights with host Carrie Charles. Discover the driving force behind Ubiquity’s success and Jamie’s leadership style focused on empowerment, authenticity, and transparency. Gain valuable insights into the industry’s future, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence and automation. Join us for a concise yet insightful conversation on empowering teams and staying ahead in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Digitizing Telecom and Elevating People with Subbu Meiyappan of ECSite

5G Talent Talk

Digitizing Telecom and Elevating People with Subbu Meiyappan of ECSite

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The mission at ECSite is to empower the workforce, break data silos, and embrace the future of technology in telecom. In this episode, we sit down with the visionary Subbu Meiyappan, the CEO and Founder of ECSite, to explore the world of digitizing the telecommunications industry. Subbu shares his incredible story of reinventing himself several times, all in pursuit of the next big challenge. He shares how he launched ECSite, a game-changing automation software company whose mission is to automate every aspect of fieldwork, from design to data collection. Subbu is passionate about making sure the industry is prepared for the future. As he puts it, “Automating the mundane elevates the human,” and it’s a philosophy that is transforming the way we work in the telecom world. Join us in exploring the possibilities of digitizing the telecom industry.

The Role of Cloud and Generative AI in the Telco Industry with Ishwar Parulkar

5G Talent Talk

The Role of Cloud and Generative AI in the Telco Industry with Ishwar Parulkar

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Cultivating the workforce of tomorrow begins with embracing emerging technologies today. Join us in this eye-opening episode with special guest, Ishwar Parulkar, the Chief Technologist for Telecom and Edge Cloud at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Today, Ishwar takes us on a journey through the fascinating landscape of emerging technologies and their profound impact on the Telco industry. He touches on the evolution of Telco, software-defined networking, 5G, and mobile edge computing, providing a unique perspective on the industry's rapid transformation. Ishwar also explores the impact of generative AI on the workforce and emphasizes the importance of upskilling and retraining. He highlights the need for awareness, education, partnerships, and a shift in mindset to navigate the transformative wave that generative AI and cloud technologies bring. Tune in now and be part of the exciting transformation happening at the intersection of technology and Telecom.

Radically Simple Fiber Management with Brian Mefford of VETRO FiberMap

5G Talent Talk

Radically Simple Fiber Management with Brian Mefford of VETRO FiberMap

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Explore the many ways telecommunications can be used as an enabler for entrepreneurial growth and supporting community development. In this episode of 5G Talent Talk with Carrie Charles, we’re joined by Brian Mefford, VP of Broadband Strategy for VETRO FiberMap, to discuss their mission to simplify fiber management and drive community advancement radically. This engaging conversation explores VETRO FiberMap’s efforts of becoming the hub for all aspects of fiber construction, embracing a wide range of public-private partnerships. Additionally, Brian shares insights into the corporate culture at VETRO, their strategies for addressing the challenges that come with business growth, and how grant funding has changed with the latest technological shifts. Tune in to this insightful episode and join us in shaping the future of telecom through innovative approaches and community development.

Redefining Success Through Customers and Culture with Kelly Lazuka of Fullerton

5G Talent Talk

Redefining Success Through Customers and Culture with Kelly Lazuka of Fullerton

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In this episode, join host Carrie Charles as she explores the essential elements of workforce enhancement for sustainable business growth and prosperity. Carrie sits down with Kelly Lazuka, the CEO of Fullerton, for an insightful discussion on building high-performing teams. Discover how Fullerton, a tier one provider, has harnessed the power of mentorship programs, leadership training, and skill development workshops to create an exceptional team that propels business growth. Additionally, gain valuable insights into Fullerton's recent rebranding journey, aligning their vision with their evolution into a premier tier one provider. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on optimizing your workforce, fostering inclusiveness, and driving business growth through continuous learning and progressive leadership strategies.

The Fiber Workforce Dilemma with Deborah Kish of Fiber Broadband Association

5G Talent Talk

The Fiber Workforce Dilemma with Deborah Kish of Fiber Broadband Association

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How do we get the younger generation of workers interested in the telecommunications industry? As the skilled labor shortage continues to grow, the solution is certainly not ‘easy.’ Thankfully, the Fiber Broadband Association provides resources that make this industry-wide effort a whole lot simpler. Joining us today is Deborah Kish, VP of Research and Workforce Development for the Fiber Broadband Association. In this insightful interview, Carrie and Deborah dive into FBA’s top strategies, programs and playbooks to combat the telecom workforce shortage and prepare for the BEAD funding wave ahead.

The Current and Future State of 5G with Chris Pearson of 5G Americas

5G Talent Talk

The Current and Future State of 5G with Chris Pearson of 5G Americas

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5G is not merely a technology; it serves as the gateway to an unparalleled era of connectivity, efficiency, and innovation. In this episode of 5G Talent Talk with Carrie Charles, we are joined by Chris Pearson, the President at 5G Americas. Chris highlights the world of 5G, the groundbreaking wireless network that is revolutionizing how we connect and communicate. From the incredible speed and capacity it offers to the vast potential for innovation, 5G has taken the telecommunications industry by storm. Chris shares the highs and lows of 5G adoption and the current state of the wireless industry.

Building Future-Proof Foundations and Partnerships with William Davidson of NextEra Infrastructure Solutions (NIS)

5G Talent Talk

Building Future-Proof Foundations and Partnerships with William Davidson of NextEra Infrastructure Solutions (NIS)

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The challenges that communities face today need solutions beyond tomorrow. On today's episode of 5G Talent Talk, we're joined by William Davidson, Director of Strategic Initiatives at NextEra Infrastructure Solutions, to discuss how NIS is closing the digital equity gap. NextEra Infrastructure Solutions is a workgroup of affiliates of NextEra Energy that offers unregulated, commercial fiber, lighting, and smart meters solutions for developments, municipalities, and commercial businesses.

The Telecom Workforce: Real Issues. Real Solutions. with Cesar Ruiz of Learning Alliance Corporation

5G Talent Talk

The Telecom Workforce: Real Issues. Real Solutions. with Cesar Ruiz of Learning Alliance Corporation

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Nationwide broadband access initiatives face a significant challenge as the telecom industry grapples with a widening skills gap. The combination of an aging workforce and lack of interest among young people presents a formidable hurdle. however, the Learning Alliance Corporation is at the forefront, working diligently to bridge this gap. On this episode of 5G Talent Talk, we're joined by the President and CEO of Learning Alliance Corporation, Cesar Ruiz, to discuss how workforce development programs are reshaping the telecommunications industry. Offering innovative, hands-on training courses and structured apprenticeship programs, Learning Alliance Corporation is bringing new talent to telecom through education.

Key Telecom Trends to Watch with Dan Hays of PwC

5G Talent Talk

Key Telecom Trends to Watch with Dan Hays of PwC

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Join Carrie Charles as she engages in an in-depth discussion with Dan Hays, Principal at PwC, to explore the dynamic world of telecom. In this episode, they investigate prominent opportunities for growth and how PwC collaborates with companies to capitalize on them. Prepare to uncover Dan's perceptive insights on current trends and pressing topics in the telecom sector, such as narrowing the digital divide within the economy. Stay informed with valuable updates on the current state of the telecom industry, with a particular emphasis on the successful integration of the CBRS technology spectrum. As their conversation unfolds, they also analyze the pivotal role of China in the telecom supply chain and the potential risks faced by the industry. Brace yourself for a deep dive into the latest telecom trends and gain a comprehensive understanding of this ever-evolving landscape.

The Proven Playbook to Attract, Engage and Retain the New Workforce with Dr. Kent Wessinger of Retention Partners

5G Talent Talk

The Proven Playbook to Attract, Engage and Retain the New Workforce with Dr. Kent Wessinger of Retention Partners

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Without an informed and tested strategy for talent retention, business leaders will remain on a hamster wheel of recruitment, failing to achieve sustainable growth. Joining us today is Dr. Kent Wessinger, Principal Partner at Retention Partners, to tackle the workforce crisis by sharing his tested and informed strategies to attract, engage and retain employees. In this captivating episode, Dr. Kent Wessinger identifies the three pieces of successful retention strategies that business leaders must implement for sustainable organizational growth. Follow along as Carrie and Dr. Kent explore the significance of processes, accountability, structures of success for today's workforce.

Inside the Mission: How ASCEND is Driving Industry Transformation with Will Grindle

5G Talent Talk

Inside the Mission: How ASCEND is Driving Industry Transformation with Will Grindle

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What does it take to create a thriving company culture and foster employee growth? It starts with investing in your people. When you prioritize the development and well-being of your team members, the benefits extend far beyond the success of your business. You create a positive impact in the world, one that can ripple outwards and touch countless lives. Our latest episode of 5G Talent Talk with Carrie Charles features an inspiring conversation with Will Grindle, CEO of ASCEND Wireless Networks. As a faith-based leader, Will Grindle understands the value of investing in his employees and creating a space for his team to feel valued, heard and supported. His approach to servant leadership emphasizes transparency, vulnerability and empathy.